STAGE NOTES Charlotte Christian Middle School Musical Charlotte, N.C.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” The phrase “instant classic” gets tossed around more often than it perhaps should, but if any Christmas movie deserves the title, it’s Elf. I’ve watched it more times than I can count and it is eminently quotable with the perfect dose of warmth and humor. The musical version of this holiday favorite makes it seem like the movie was meant to be a stage musical all along. There is such a wonderful innocence and simple perspective that Buddy brings to a world of chaos and bitterness. Much of the humor in this story comes from the stark juxtaposition of Buddy’s naivete with the jaded New Yorkers but this same contrast is at the heart of what we can all learn from Buddy. As those who interact with Buddy also begin looking at the city and the season through the eyes of a child, they are impacted in a powerful way. Their hearts are changed. Jesus instructed the disciples to become like little children. This teaching in the book of Matthew was in response to the disciples asking Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” The NIV translation of Matthew 18:2-5 reads, “He called a child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.’” May we all take a lesson from Buddy and the youth in this cast as we prepare our hearts to enter another Advent season, assuming a posture of humility, wonderment, joy and hope. Thank you so much for coming. The entire production team and I are immensely proud of this cast of talented students. They have poured their hearts into this musical and it shows. Merry Christmas,
Chester Shepherd, guest artist Director of Elf, Jr. the Musical
PRODUCTION TEAM
(*CCS Faculty)
Director Mr. Chester Shepherd Assistant Director / Stage Manager Ms. CJ Higginbotham Choreographer Ms. Claire Hilton* Music Director Mr. Eric Simpson * Costume Designer Ms. Ramsey Lyric Davidson Scenic Designer Mrs. Brittany Zacarias Build Supervisor Mr. Bruce Long Lighting Designer Mrs. Katy Sigmon Technical Director Mr. Jordan Bailey* Videographer Mr. Chad Fair* Producer Ms. Claire Hilton*
TECHNICAL TEAM Thank you to our upper school student technical team for volunteering their time and talents to provide audio, video, lighting and backstage support for our cast.
SPECIAL THANK YOU Mrs. Lisa Hinson Mrs. Kim Marco Mrs. Leslie Niessner
Special thanks for the overwhelming support of our dedicated parent and student volunteers, without whom this production would not be possible.
MUSICAL NUMBERS HAPPY ALL THE TIME
Santa, Elves and Buddy
WORLD’S GREATEST DAD
Buddy and New Yorkers
SPARKLEJOLLYTWINKLEJINGLEY
Buddy, Jovie and Company
I’LL BELIEVE IN YOU A CHRISTMAS SONG
Michael and Emily Hobbs
WORLD’S GREATEST DAD (Reprise)
Buddy and Carolers
NEVER FALL IN LOVE (WITH AN ELF)
Jovie
THERE IS A SANTA CLAUSE
Michael, Emily and Company
Buddy, Jovie and Company
THE STORY OF BUDDY Buddy, Ms. Greenway, Walter Hobbs, Deb, Matthews, Chadwick, Sam and Sarah A CHRISTMAS SONG (Reprise) Jovie, Buddy, Emily, Michael and Walter Hobbs, Charlotte Dennon, Darlene Lambert, Emma Van Brocklin, Finale Soloists and Company SPARKLEJOLLYTWINKLEJINGLEY Company (Reprise)
CAST Buddy
Malachi Fair
Business Woman
Addison Elliott
Chadwick
Mason Ledford
Charlie
Jacksten Cheatle
Charlotte Dennon
Bea Kelly
Comforting New Yorker
Claire Oliver
Darlene Lambert
Leighton Florance
Deb
Anna Traetto
Elf #1
Savannah Saunders
Elf #2
Jewel Simpson
Elf #3
Jane Carson
Elf #4
Hollis Hawkins
Elf #5
Perry Hough
Emily Hobbs
Emma Huff
Emma Van Brocklin
Sabrina Taylor
Fake Santa
Miller Kernodle
Finale Soloist #1
Avah Brick
Finale Soloist #2
Eliza Siebert
Finale Soloist #3
Sarah Welburn
Finale Soloist #4
Clayton Taylor
Flyer Guy #1
Natalie Harper
Flyer Guy #2
Michaela Maddox
Jogger
Thomas McPherson
Jovie
Charis Scott
Macy’s Employee
Kerrington Reilly
Manager
Journey Tall
Matthews
Skyler Gillette
Michael Hobbs
Grayson Suite
CAST Mother
Michaela Maddox
Ms. Greenway
Banner Grace Bryant
Passerby
Thomas McPherson
Policeman #1
Kat Dragone
Policeman #2
Talia Youngerman
Saleswoman
Anna Gribble
Sam
Jané Jooste
Santa
Jacob Durrett
Santa’s Helper
Avah Brick
Sarah
Evie Padula
Security Guard #1
Olivia Rickenbaker
Security Guard #2
Austin Neal
Shawanda
Ariana Wilson
Teenager
Claira Cummings
Walter Hobbs
Samuel Franklin
Carolers Jane Carson, Addison Elliott, Perry Hough, Savannah Saunders, Eliza Siebert, Jewel Simpson, Sarah Welburn Macy’s Dancers Avah Brick, Leighton Florance, Hollis Hawkins, Thomas McPherson, Evie Padula, Kerrington Reilly, Sarah Welburn, Arianna Wilson
CAST AVAH BRICK Grade 8
KAT DRAGONE Grade 6 Policeman 1
BANNE GRACE BRYANT Grade 6 Ms. Greenway
JACOB DURRETT Grade 7 Santa
JANE CARSON Grade 6 Elf 3, Caroler
ADDISON ELLIOTT Grade 7 Caroler, Business Woman
JACKSTEN CHEATLE Grade 8 Charlie, Walter Hobbs understudy
MALACHI FAIR Grade 8 Buddy
CLAIRA CUMMINGS Grade 8 Teenager
LEIGHTON FLORANCE Grade 8 Macy’s Dancer, Darlene Lambert
Finale Soloist 1, Macy’s Dancer, Santa’s Helper, Jovie understudy
CAST SAMUEL FRANKLIN Grade 7 Walter Hobbs
PERRY HOUGH Grade 6 Elf 5, Caroler
SKYLER GILLETTE Grade 6 Matthews
EMMA HUFF Grade 8 Emily Hobbs
ANNA GRIBBLE Grade 6 Saleswoman
JANÉ JOOSTE Grade 6 Sam
NATALIE HARPER Grade 6 Flyer Guy 1
BEA KELLY Grade 7 Charlotte Dennon
HOLLIS HAWKINS Grade 6 Elf 4, Macy’s Dancer
MILLER KERNODLE Grade 6 Fake Santa
CAST MASON LEDFORD Grade 7 Chadwick
EVIE PADULA Grade 6 Macy’s Dancer, Sarah
MICHAELA MADDOX Grade 6 Flyer Guy 2, Mother
KERRINGTON REILLY Grade 8 Macy’s Dancer, Macy’s Employee 1
THOMAS MCPHERSON Grade 7 Macy’s Dancer, Jogger, Passerby
OLIVIA RICKENBAKER Grade 6 Security Guard 1
AUSTIN NEAL Grade 7 Security Guard 2
SAVANNAH SAUNDERS Grade 6 Elf 1, Caroler
CLAIRE OLIVER Grade 6 Comforting New Yorker
CHARIS SCOTT Grade 8 Jovie
CAST ELIZA SIEBERT Grade 8 Finale Soloist 2, Caroler
SABRINA TAYLOR Grade 6 Emma Van Brocklin
JEWEL SIMPSON Grade 6 Elf 2, Caroler
ANNA TRAETTO Grade 7 Deb
GRAYSON SUITE Grade 7 Michael Hobbs
SARAH WELBURN Grade 8 Finale Soloist 3, Macy’s Dancer, Caroler
JOURNEY TALL Grade 7 Manager
ARIANA WILSON Grade 8 Shawanda, Macy’s Dancer
CLAYTON TAYLOR Grade 7 Finale Soloist 4, Buddy understudy
TALIA YOUNGERMAN Grade 7 Policeman 2
SHOUT OUTS Avah Brick Avah, Wow! Words can’t express the joy it brings us to watch you shine on that stage! The growth you have shown each year has us in awe! We can’t wait to see what you do next. Watching you perform never gets old! Break a leg! We all love you so much! Mom, Dad, Austin & Amelia Banner Grace Bryant Banner Grace! We are so excited that you have the opportunity to use your gifts and talents on stage! You have worked hard and prepared thoroughly! We can’t wait to see you shine! Have the most fun, and remember that “He who began a good work, will be faithful to complete it!” Love always, Mom, Dad, Gigi, Percy, Gumbo, Nash, Pepper, Penny, & Tootsie Jane Carson Jane, we love seeing your personality shine on stage! So proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad, Jordan, Max and Claire Jacksten Cheatle Jacksten, we are so proud of the work and effort you have put into this show, all while juggling soccer, swim, and your academics. You are maturing into such an amazing young man for Christ! We are honored to steward you through this beautiful life! Love your biggest fans always!!! Shine bright superstar! Love you, Mom, Dad, Scarlett, Finley, Sophia, Bentley, & Cashmere
Claira Cummings Claira, we are so proud of your hard work! “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) We look forward to seeing you shine in Elf Jr. We love you! With love, Mom, Dad, Chloe, Haven, Harper, Camden and Charis Kat Dragone KAT, we couldn’t be more proud of you!! It is an absolute joy seeing you use your gifts and talents and share them with all. We love you, Que dios le bendiga siempre!! Mom, Dad, Bells & Pay “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Jacob Durrett Congratulations Jacob on your first musical performance and playing the role of Santa! We are so proud of you!!!! Love you lots!! - Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Addison Elliott Addie, we are so proud of you and your love of theater! Aim for the stars - we love you! Mom and Dad
SHOUT OUTS Malachi Fair Mac, Good news, we saw a dog today! We know you have been working hard and know you are going to be amazing! Can’t wait to see you perform! We love you very much. Love, Mom, Dad, Sophia, and Piper P.S. Don’t forget to keep the cookies out of the VCR! P.P.S. And don’t forget the gum on the street isn’t free candy. P.P.P.S. And don’t forget to sing loud for all to hear! Merry Christmas, Buddy! Mac, PAPA & GRAMMY are so PROUD of the young man you are and excited to see what the future holds. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 2-5 Mac! We’re so proud of you and your theater journey so far. Through all of the triumphs and disappointments, you continue to shine and we’re so excited to see where you go next. Love, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Shanna-Lee Mac, we are so incredibly proud of you and all of the hard work you’ve put into this role. We know you’re going to crush it. We love ya Buddy. Love, Uncle Micah, Aunt Julie, Maddux & Cal For Mac, to my favorite buddy on and off stage! Love you and so proud of you! Break a leg! Love, Aunt Gayle
Mac, we are so proud of you and all that you are doing with the gifts that God has blessed you with. We know that you will shine on and off stage with the love of Christ. We love you so much. Love Grandma and Papa Artino Mac Attack, we wish we were there to watch you star in your last middle school play!!! We know you are going to sing and dance all the way into high school. Congratulations and we love you. Love Uncle Paul, Aunt Lauren, Evy, Vera, and Si Leighton Florance Leighton, you are God’s masterpiece! We are so proud of you for trying something new! Never stop growing, learning, and creating beautiful art. Your family loves you! Samuel Franklin Samuel, we cannot wait to see you step into the role of Walter Hobbs. Your dedication and hard work throughout this entire play have been nothing short of impressive. Watching you pursue your passion for the stage has been a joy! Love, Mom and Dad Skyler Gillette Skyler, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all of your hard work and hear your wonderful voice! Praying you use your gifts to glorify God in all of the rehearsals and shows! We love you oodles! Love, Mama & Dada Anna Gribble Love your passion and dedication, Anna!!! Can’t wait to see you do your thing on stage again!! xo, your biggest fans, Mom & Dad
SHOUT OUTS Natalie Harper Natalie, we are so proud of you for working so hard to be part of the show. We can’t wait to see all the great things God has for your life. Keep reaching for the stars. Love, Mom, Dad and Jack Hollis Hawkins We are so excited to see you shine on stage and are so proud of your dedication and hard work! We love you Hollis! xoxo, Mommy, Daddy, Caroline and Annie Perry Hough Congratulations, Perry, on your first middle school performance! God blessed you with so many wonderful talents. We love seeing you perform. Love - Mom, Dad & Cole Emma Huff Emma, congratulations on your last middle school musical! We love watching you use your God-given gifts on stage. We are so proud of you, and we will ALWAYS believe in you! Love, Mom, Dad, Grandaddy, Jen and Keith Jané Jooste Jané, we are so incredibly proud of you. Watching you do what you love is inspiring and we are so blessed to have your sunshine in our lives. Love, forever Mommy, Daddy, Alex and your wildling, Nico Emma Bea Kelly Emma Bea, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to watch you shine on stage once again! Keep sharing your Godgiven beautiful voice with the world! Much love from your entire family, friends, and pets! We love you Bea aka Charlotte Dennon! Mom and Dad
Miller Kernodle We are proud of you and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. You can accomplish wonders as you continue to work hard. Mom and Dad Mason Ledford Mason, you continue to “let your light shine” and you make us proud everyday! We love you! Dad, Mom, and Mckenna Mason, sonny boy. We love you and continue to marvel at God’s work through you. No matter what you do, you give it 100%. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 36. We love you! Poppy, Granny, Grandpa & Grandma Michaela Maddox Congratulations Michaela! We are so proud of you in your first onstage performance and we know you are going to do amazing! We can’t wait to see where God takes you in this new adventure of theater productions. Continue taking advantage of all of life’s opportunities and enjoy life to the fullest!! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Haley and Madison Thomas McPherson Thomas, we are so excited to see you shine in your second middle school musical!!! You have had a remarkable year and this production is a wonderful exclamation point! We are proud of your hard work and commitment, and we are grateful we get to see Jesus shine through you each day! Love, Mom, Dad, Turner and Ty
SHOUT OUTS Austin Neal Austin, we are so proud of your commitment to the show and seeing the talents God has given you and others in the show! Dad, Mom, April & Grandma
Charis Scott Congratulations “Jovie!” “It’s as clear as a jingle bell…” We’re all so very proud of you, Charis! Love Mom and Dad
Claire Oliver Congrats Claire! We’re so proud of you for all your hard work on this production, and grateful for all the fun you’ve had being involved! Go out there and crush it! Love, Mom, Dad and Carson
Congratulations on your final middle school musical! You Rock, “Jovie.” Love always, Granny and PaPa!
Evie Padula Evie, we’d walk thru the Lincoln Tunnel any day to see you on stage, doing what you love most. Keep shining and keep leading with your kind heart, we love you! Love from the TC fan club - Mommy, Daddy, Max, Grandma, Grandpa, Grammy, PopPop and Beaker!
Our little star shines brighter and brighter! Charis, I’m so proud of you. Love, MoMo
Kerrington Reilly So proud of Kerrington in her first theater performance! Olivia Rickenbaker “I just like to smile. Smiling is my favorite!” Olivia, you spread so much joy and we adore your smiling, happy face. Very proud of you! Love Dad, Mom and Teddy Savannah Saunders Savannah, we are so proud of you! We can’t wait to see you shine ~Matthew 5:16. You are a light to others. We love you bunches! Mom, Dad, Caroline & Drew
Great job, Charis-Boo! Love, You know who
Eliza Siebert I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see the show! Jewel Simpson Congrats on performing in your third show at CCS! Doing a show while also tackling the new pressures and stress of middle school is no small feat. We are so very proud of you! Best elf ever! We love you!! Love, Daddy, Mommy, and Dean Grayson Suite Grayson, we love seeing you on stage doing what you love! We could not be more proud! Enjoy the moments! Love, Mom and Dad Journey Tall Journey, Journey, Journey..... How we love you so! We love your smile and you hair, We love your effort and how much you care, We love your silly little ways, And will love you endlessly all our days, Up on stage you shine so bright, To our hearts you bring such light, So have some fun and enjoy the show, The whole family thinks your a pro!
SHOUT OUTS Clayton Taylor Way to go Clayton! We are so proud of you and all the work that you put into this production. We pray that you continue to let your light shine in all that you do. We love you and we know that God has big plans for you! Love, Mom, Dad, Caleb, Kathryn and Karis Sabrina Taylor To our fiercely independent Sabrina, we are so blessed to watch you go after your dreams. You light up the stage but even more you light up our world. Keep being you baby girl, we are all here cheering you on. “Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland Love, Mom, Dad, Emma, Victoria and Christina Beloved Sabrina, follow your dreams our darling baby. Love Grandma and Grandpa O’Brien in Heaven “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” - Mark Anthony Anna Traetto Congratulations, Anna! We are so proud of you, your dedication, and hard work preparing for the show. It is an absolute joy to watch you use your God given gifts and shine on stage. Break a leg! Your biggest fans, Dad, Mom, Charlie and Owen
Sarah Welburn We are so proud of you. Way to shine! Love, Mom, Dad and Nicholas Another wonderful performance from “our shining star”. Congratulations! Much Love, Grandma and Grandpa So proud of you! Enjoy yourself! Our love, Gramma and Pup Ariana Wilson Congratulations, Ariana! We are so excited to watch you on stage as an eighth grader! We pray that you keep shining for Christ and keep having fun on stage. We love you and are so proud of you! Love Always, Mom, Dad and Jeffery Talia Youngerman To our sweet Talia … you were made for the stage! We can’t wait to see you shine. We love watching you and thankful you use your God given talents to bring others joy too! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 We love you! Daddy, Mommy, Harper, Poppy & Nanny
Original produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures In association with Unique Features Please, no flash photography, videotaping or other video and/or audio recording devices are allowed during the performances due to copyright laws and danger to the actors. Thank you for your cooperation.
Friends of the Arts The fine arts department is a thriving, exciting part of the Charlotte Christian School community. Our vision is to equip and train the next generation of artists to glorify God with their gifts and to support the school’s mission of impacting the culture for Christ. Our JK-grade 12 students have the ability to explore the arts in music, visual arts and theatre in the classroom and as co-curricular activities. Friends of the Arts exists to support the work of the fine arts department in all areas through memberships of varying levels. The Albee Family Mr. and Mrs. Todd C. Allen Mrs. Ann Baum The Betzold Family The Biakabutuka Family The Branner Family Mr. and Mrs. Andy Bullins The Carlton Family The Caswell Family The Peter Cataldo Family The Counihan Family Mr. and Mrs. David Dagenhart The Eshleman Family Mr. and Mrs. Micah Ferranti The Mark Fox Family The Franklin Family Mr. and Mrs. Barry Giller The Will Goley Family Mr. and Mrs. Ken Haynes The Hodgkins Family Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Horne The Jeff Howard Family Mr. and Mrs. Philip Huff Mr. and Mrs. Brad Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Kelly The Kernodle Family The Kincheloe Family The Koch Family The Randoph Lowry Family Mr. and Mrs. Scott Major The McPherson Family The Niessner Family The Norvell Family The Oliver Family Mr. and Mrs. John Reid The Roddy Family The Rohm Family The Santaniello Family The Simpson Family Mr. and Mrs. John Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Keith Taylor The Taylor Family Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Walker Mr. and Mrs. Alec Watson The Welburn Family The John Wilson Family The Youngerman Family
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Charlotte Christian School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school, equipping and developing students to effectively integrate Biblical truth and learning into their daily lives and to impact the culture for Christ. 7301 Sardis Road • Charlotte, NC 28270 (704) 366-5657 • www.charlottechristian.com